As video conferencing has become a significant part of the workday, technology has raced to catch up.
Cameras are getting better, but not as fast as the software that uses them.
Apple has built automatic background blurring into the latest versions of iOS, and soundscaping techniques remove background noise.
Reincubate
But what happens when we use these technologies to enhance video calling, not just fix it up?
There are a number of factors that studies show.
One is that in a phone call or conversation, people can typically move around.
Chris Montgomery / Unsplash
We have no problem working out who’s talking or hearing them.
And we are never distracted by a little thumbnail video of ourselves hovering over other people’s shoulders.
In a virtual space, all bets are off.
Some of the most useful technological tricks sound like gimmicks at first, but turn out to be essential.
Take Spatial Audio, anew technology from Applethat places sound in a fixed 3D space.
Overall, it can lead to a much more natural, engaging, and less fatiguing experience."
Zoom Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most significant downsides of video calling.
And noise canceling will remove the leaf-blowing neighbor from the conversation or augment voices.
Whats Next?
These enhancements are wonderful for anyone who keeps in touch via video.
But in the future, we could enjoy even better interactions.
